Honeymooners are flocking to Belize in record numbers. Belize is easy to get to - and hard to leave! You can have empty beaches all to yourself, you can dive the Barrier Reef or the Blue Hole, zip through the jungle or fish or snorkel or just do nothing at all! And it's right at your doorstep.

World's Best Honeymoon Destinations

A recent article published by The Telegraph - a UK based newsroom - name 50 best places in the world for honeymoon travel. And Belize certainly made the list! As one of the top places to honeymoon in the world - Belize's own St. George's Caye Resort offers an unforgettable private island experience. Perfect for Honeymooners.

At St. George's Caye you'll enjoy a private island experience, fresh juice and coffee brought to your porch each morning and unmatched privacy. In Belize you can be as adventurous - zip line, SCUBA dive, or hike Mayan ruins - or you can be as laid back as you choose. Hammocks can be found on your private cabana porch and throughout the resort for ultimate relaxing honeymoon.

From luxury living to jungle camping - from lazy beach days to SCUBA diving the great Blue Hole - Belize has something for everyone! To top it all off - Belize is getting even easier to get to ...

Fly Southwest Airlines To Belize

Beginning October 2015 when Southwest Airlines commences a daily flight from Houston Hobby International to Belize City International. Low fares to Belize are going for about $300 round trip! Pictured below is an itinerary for the last week in October. Flights to Belize depart at 1:45pm CST and land in Belize at 3:00pm.

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Not on your honeymoon - no worry!! Fall in love all over again in Belize. You're only a two hour plane ride from paradise.

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.”

Andy Warhol

Leonel is like a breath of fresh air. He embodies the Belizean spirit. His smile is contagious and you can't help but want to take him home with you. Because Leonel sees the beauty. He sees the beauty in people. And he sees the beauty in art. St George's Caye isn't complete without Leo's beautiful outlook.

When you arrive to St. George's Caye Resort Leo is one of the first team members you'll meet. You will mostly find him mixing your favorite cocktails and making sure your beer is ice cold. But Leo also loves to entertain. He's full of fun card tricks and bar games that will leave you scratching you're head. But don't ask him how he does it - because he won't tell. Sworn to secrecy by a fellow magician Leo takes his oath seriously and won't share the tricks of the trade.

Leonel knows how we do just about everything here at St. George's Caye. And can help you find you way around, grab you a fresh coconut drink or help you book your tours and diving.

But when Leo is not using his talents to create amazing vacations for our guests - he uses his time to make art. Beautiful art. Check out some of his latest paintings. They go fast so hurry on down to Belize to grab a unique piece of art. Aren't these amazing!?

Before painting, Leo was an artist designing and creating tattoos and t-shirts for special occasions. He was recently in Belize City at the annual tattoo expo sharing his love for art with others.

Like many of our team members Leonel was born and raised in Valley of Peace, Cayo District in Belize. His father is a farmer like many Valley residents - as the area is ripe for healthy crops and cattle - and his mother is a chef at a local restaurant. Leo has a brother David, who is a team member in the kitchen and younger sister who is continuing her education.

Come see the beauty Leonel sees everyday at St George's Caye Resort. His beautiful spirit is essential to a care-free vacation in Belize.

It has been our Saturday tradition for the last five years. A favorite of many guests. Actually it's our favorite too. There's just something cool about eating under the moon and starts while watching fire burn.

Beach BBQ

While our dinners are normally served over four courses in the dining room - Saturday nights break the mold. Late afternoon you'll notice the guys gathering chairs and placing them in a semi-circle on the

beach.

The grills come out form hiding. The fire wood is placed. And the magic begins.

You'll smell it before its ready. Like mom's home cooking you want just a taste - a peek - a pinch before its ready to be served. If you ask nicely, Ernesto may just give you one.

Beach BBQ is served buffet style. And there is plenty if you want seconds! Grab a plate and choose between the weeks local meat choices, fresh veggies, beans, fresh baked bread and more! Make sure to save room for dessert.

And one weekend a month - when the moon is full - it rises at just the perfect time. The sun has set, the fire is burning - and the beautiful full moon begins to rise. Making Beach BBQ even more awesome.

When booking your trip to St. George's Caye be sure to plan for a Saturday overnight and experience the magic of Beach BBQ. It's a fun and unique offering we all love and enjoy.

Enjoy our famous St. George’s Caye pampering while taking advantage of our special summer education prices to meet a teacher’s budget.

June – July 2015 only :: Limited space, reserve by April 30 MAY 27th!

Know an Educator that could use a great Summer vacation? Are you a teacher in need of a Summer escape? As our thank you to Educators world-wide we are extending huge discounts to you! You work hard all year long teaching our children and educating our young adults. You DESERVE a great Summer getaway. Look no further...

Up to 50% OFF Private Cabana

Choose any cabana – over water, oceanfront, or garden – and get up to 50% off the nightly room rate!

20% OFF cultural and historical tours

10% OFF diving and adventure tours

Indulge in fun activities like diving, snorkeling, and jungle zip-line at 10% off list prices

Have your BEST SUMMER VACATION ever.

Contact Cap’n Ron at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800.813.8498 and mention which school you are affiliated with to receive our special summer prices for educators.

Offer valid for stays from June 1 – July 31, 2015 for single or double occupancy; 4-night minimum stay. Must reserve by April 30, 2015. Offer subject to availability at time of reservation.

Before departing you'll find most guests huddled over the bar - giggling and chatting with a team member. They've got markers. And shells. At first glance it looks a bit like kindergarten art class. It's fun to watch when the finished product emerges and the smiles begin. "Where do we put it?" a guest asks. "Anywhere you want." Theresa replies. "Ok then put it up there near the Rum."

When you find a place as magical as St. George's Caye Resort you want to leave a little piece of yourself behind. For ten years guests have been leaving their marks on shells collected from our beach. Some with names and dates. Others with fantastically drawn pictures or silly messages for us to remember them by. All created with a loving memory of their stay with us.

In 2009 Manager Barry and I left our shell as guests - little did we know we'd be back! We dug it up from the mound of shells - check it out!

When you return home and you come across the photo of your shell -you smile knowing that shell is still in the bar sitting next to your favorite rum. And when you are home and we are here we look up at your shell next to the rum and smile - remembering your vacation. I occasionally find myself picking through the big basket of shells remembering some of the most wonderful people I've been blessed to meet. In a few minutes I can relive rainbow filled weddings, retirement celebrations and dive groups that made me laugh for days! I always smile when I find the ones that read "Best Vacation Ever" because it selfishly allows me to remember how special St. George's really is.

We're sorry big terrycloth cotton towels - but we're breaking up with you. Your soft, I'll give you that. Your luxurious feel is not to be forgotten. But you're bulky, hard to carry around and you take too long to dry in this humid Caribbean climate. It's not you - it's us. We still love you and take you snorkeling with us - but in the intimacy of our bathrooms we're going to have to part ways.

Introducing stylish, colorful Turkish cotton pestemal towels

Pestemals are thin, large, dry quickly after use and are incredibly absorbent. An all-around better fit for the St. George's Experience. The owner and manager have been using these towels for some time and loved them so much that we decided to test them in our Oceanfront Cabanas for guest use. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response we've made the change in all Cabanas.

What is a Pestemal, anyway?

A pestemal (pesh-te-mahl) is an authentic Turkish bath towel. They are flat-woven with hand-tied fringe, typically made of Turkish cotton. It is also known as a hamam towel as it is an essential element of the legendary Turkish bath experience. Pestemals come in countless designs, textures, weights and colors. The hand towel version of the pestemal is called a peskir (pesh-kir). You can read more about these great towels here through Indigo Traders and purchase one for yourself if you'd like! They also have a great Gift Giving section for unique gift ideas.

Eco-Friendly

The new towels also help us to maintain an environmentally friendly resort. The Pestemals are so light weight making them more energy-efficient than our terry cloth towels. They dry more quickly after use, so they don't take on a musty smell. They don't need laundering as often. And when it comes time to wash them, they take much less space in the washer and much less time in the dryer. Saving water and energy. When the weather is good we can even let them dry outdoors!

Breaking up is always hard to do. But usually for the better. In this case - we know its for the better. Better for the Earth, better for our guests and better for our climate here in Belize. We hope you enjoy them as we do!

Imagine you and your friends sitting out by the beach fire. Guitars and harps in hand. The warm breeze is blowing to the rhythm of your beat. The stars have come out to watch and listen. The moon even rising to the occasion. You stop only momentarily to refuel with warm BBQ off the grill. And the jam continues until the last breath of fire. The next morning with the sunrise you'll tell stories of creative genius and drunken stupidity over coffee and fresh squeezed juice. You'll trade tales of heartbreak and inspired lyrics during breakfast. You'll bathe in the Caribbean Sea for even more inspired lyrics. Imagine no more…

Led by Doug MacLeod and Phil Wiggins - we would like to invite you to the first Blues in Belize Experience -hosted by St. George's Caye Resort. Five sun filled, soul filled, days of music, stories, lessons and lots of Blues love. This intimate gathering has only 30 available spots. Your accommodations will be thatch roofed cabanas on a tiny residence island in Belize. Picturesque privacy in paradise! Each morning coffee and juice delivered to your porch. Family style meals with oceanfront dining makes meals conducive to group conversation.

Does this sound like music to your ears? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your spot or call 800-813-8498 to join us for this incredible week of blues music on the beaches of Belize. And hurry – we only have room for about 30 guests!

When you stay with us, you’re staying at a socially responsible resort. We are stewards for the reef, ocean, and natural resources that surround our island. We provide Belizeans with stable jobs and a living wage. We treat each other and our guests with respect. And everyone at St. George’s Caye Resort shares a commitment to giving back to our community.

Our Belizean staff sponsors educational scholarships in their home villages; resort manager Barry is an active participant in the local Rotary; and Cap’n Ron joined the board for Full Basket Belize, a nonprofit that awards scholarships and community grants and our gift shop supports local artisans. We also regularly donate resort stays to charity auctions across the US. Read on to learn more about how we’re giving back – and how you can help.

ST. GEORGE’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

We take good care of our employees and, in turn, they share their prosperity with their home villages. In 2014 we launched a formal scholarship program to support high school students from the villages our employees call home (in Belize, free education ends after 8th grade). Thanks to the participation of every single member of our staff, we’ve expanded this program from offering one scholarship a year to three. Read about the first year for our first scholarship recipient in the Island Blog.

FULL BASKET BELIZE

Cap’n Ron, owner of St. George’s Caye Resort, has been visiting and doing business in Belize for more than fifteen years – and in that time has supported students and young entrepreneurs. To broaden his impact, Cap’n Ron joined the board of directors for Full Basket Belize(FBB), a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides scholarships and community grants countrywide. At times we run specials where we donate a percentage of our proceeds to FBB—you can join our email list to hear about these opportunities. Or at any time visit www.fullbasketbelize.org to learn more and make a contribution.

CHARITY AUCTIONS

Every year we donate trips to charity auctions across the US to help them raise money for worthy causes—from public radio to mental health. Organizations supported in the past include: WCNY (PBS station in NY), KRCB (PBS station in northern CA), NorthStar Clubhouse, Lake Oswego Rotary, and the Assistance League of Greater Portland.

Do you have a charity auction we should consider supporting? Email Cap’n Ron to let him know.

ROTARY CLUB BELIZE

Resort Manager Barry is a long-time supporter of Rotary International. For 10 years he was a member of the Austin University Area Rotary Club in Austin, Texas where he lived before becoming the leader of our island resort. He served as Club President 2007-2008 and led a number of important community projects, including serving as Director of the Lantz Invitational Golf Tournament for 4 years.

In 2011, Barry joined Rotary Club of Belize, one of eight clubs in Belize and the oldest, founded in 1957. Barry serves on the International Grants Committee and the Student Scholarship Committee, and has been asked to serve as President in 2016. The Rotary Clubs in Belize are part of Rotary District 4250, comprising Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala.

GIFT SHOP

Throughout the Gift Shop you will find many hand made items from hardworking Belizeans. We believe it is important to support the local Villagers. And by purchasing these art pieces you too are contributing to school uniforms, fresh food and the livelihood of the artists and their families.

Drop in and check out the shell jewelry, Mayan baskets, wood carvings, hammocks and more!

{ SEE YOU AT ST. GEORGE'S }

The first time you meet Theresa she’ll likely be handing you your welcome drink as your arrive at the Resort. With her cheerful personality and witty humor Theresa brings the resort alive and keeps us all on our toes.

When she's not whipping up the best drinks in Belize she's coordinating social activities and training new team members. No mater your need while on the island, Theresa is your go-to gal.

Theresa is a native Belizean from Stann Creek in Southern Belize. She is the oldest of three children. Her favorite person is her little niece, Jereli, who she spends many of her days off with. "We are very hardworking people. Honest, friendly, loving and fun people." says Theresa about her family "And I consider our food to be the best." She enjoys traveling to different parts of Belize and taking her niece to the river.

Theresa has had unique experiences in the tourism industry watching little Belize grow. Having been in tourism for over ten years and with St. George's Caye Resort for almost two years Theresa brings confidence and knowledge to those visiting Belize. Next time you're with us ask her a little bit about what Belize was like fifteen years ago. She has some great stories. She is also well versed in the History of Belize and its people. Theresa tells us she enjoys St. George's because we work together as a team. Everyone does a little bit of everything.

"My favorite part of working here is everybody on the staff has the opportunity to learn different skills like snorkeling and diving."

In honor of Theresa we will leave you with her favorite drink recipe - the Pain Killer!

Hot off the press! A children's book not to be missed. Spin the Globe children's book series has released its latest edition featuring Belize. In Spin the Globe: The Incredible Adventures of Frederick von Wigglebottom - Turtles of the Reef (italic), the main character Frederick travels to the sandy island paradise of St. George's Caye Belize.

A Fun Introduction to Belize

In Belize, Fredrick meets two native children who introduce him to the unique culture and history of Belize. "Tonight the globe stops on Belize, the Pearl of the Caribbean." says author Edward Moldenhauer. "Frederick grabs his trusty journal and prepares to explore St George's Caye. Together with K'ayab and Hayá, Frederick releases two sea turtles back on the coral reef at the Great Blue Hole. He learns about the diverse Belizean, Mayan and Garinagu cultures and the animals of the reef and jungle."

Turtles of the Reef features our very own Captain Ron and another little surprise so be sure to check out the book! The series aims to entertain and enrich our knowledge of people and places around the World. Like many good children's stories Spin the Globe Series began as bedtime tales the author told to his children. Makes a unique gift!

Where To Buy

Beginning this weekend you can find copies of Turtles of the Reef in our specialty gift shop at the Resort. Can't make it here? Find the e-book online right away or order a soft cover copy. While you're online check out the other books in Edward's series and enjoy learning about Australia, Peru and Norway as well!

Excerpt and Photos from the Book

"As the scientists prepared the turtles to be released back into the ocean, Frederick snorkeled around and was marveled by all the magnificent colors of the fish and coral around him. Once the two turtles were gently placed in the water, the pair each gave a quick flick of their flippers and zip… off they went into the deep blue water. Frederick thought they looked incredibly graceful as they glided away into the distance. He tried to think of a word to describe all that he saw around him. ‘This is so relaxing and beautiful, this is what serenity must look like’ he reflected."

Follow Fredrick von Wigglebottom on his journey around the world through Facebook or on Twitter @FredvonWiggles.

What exactly is an unplugged vacation? Well, it’s a vacation sans television and phones focused on people - where you literally unplug yourself from the 24/7 cycle of electronic input. Laptops and cell phones consume our lives just about all day, every day. Elections, war news, stock markets, work emails, kids homework, text messages from your mother - it's hard to go ten minutes without checking your devices. But all these things take us away from the main reason we go on vacation - to get away from the daily grind, to reconnect, to refresh.

So why not purposely take a vacation designed to help you unplug? Designed to encourage true relaxation. Most of us are addicted to electronics and don't even realize it. Ask yourself, when is the last time I went to bed without watching the news? Or checking email - one last time?

Your brain needs to detox. There is a gland in your brain called the pineal gland. Its responsible for regulating melatonin, which helps you to relax and get to sleep. Your computer screen overstimulates the pineal gland. When it’s overstimulated the melatonin in your body is suppressed and your sleep and rest periods will be automatically more difficult. Give your brain a break!

Memories are not made staring into screens! Memories are made laughing over meals or chasing hermit crabs on the shore. Memories are made exploring ancient Mayan Ruins or hiking through jungles. Memories are made in private cabanas and staring into one another's eyes. You will return home with unforgettable memories.

You'll have more sex! If you go to bed with the TV on you are 50% less likely to have sex. Enough said! A study by an Italian sexologist has found that couples who have a TV set in their bedroom have sex half as often as those who don't. "If there's no television in the bedroom, the frequency (of sexual intercourse) doubles," said Serenella Salomoni. Physically connecting with your partner benefits you both. And you will likely sleep better.

Unplugged vacations encourage movement. Our bodies and our minds are happier when we move. When there is no television to watch you're more likely to take a leisurely walk go for a swim in the salty sea. You are more likely to be more active.

Because at the end of the day - people matter most. Reconnect with your partner. Or your best friend. Or yourself! Cultivating healthy relationships is difficult when we are constantly distracted my text messages and emails. When is the last time you sat quietly and focused on yourself or your partner to the exclusion of everything else for days at a time? It will change your perspective and allow for more meaningful relationships.

St. George's Caye Resort in Belize is intentionally designed to help you disconnect with the noise of your busy life. And reconnect with yourself. We make it possible for you to check your email - just not inside your private Cabana. No televisions are to be found and most people won't get a cell phone signal. But no need to worry! We are not totally off the grid. Just enough to allow you to relax and experience the magic.

12 private thatched roof cabanas nestled on a tiny island. No roads. No stores. Just peaceful nature surrounds you. A place you can truly unwind, let loose, and relax. You will find yourself lost in the abundance of fish when your snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef. It will remind you how big and beautiful the world is and how your forgot you loved to travel. When you climb Mayan Temples with your partner you imagine what it was like living there all those years ago and it sparks an interesting conversation you may never have had. When you meet new friends at the beach BBQ you'll share stories of love and laughter underneath a sky full of stars. People matter most here at St. George's Caye Resort. Come share the magic of an unplugged vacation.

Choose and Unplugged Vacation for your next trip!

We invite you to experience the magic of an unplugged private island getaway at St. George's Caye Resort - The Gem of Belize. Getting here is easy - Leaving is hard!

SCUBA diving in Belize will spoil your eyes forever. The pristine reef, the crisp clear waters and the abundant marine life will astound even the most seasoned diver. Dolphins often come to play. Curious turtles swim past. And up close the reef is teeming with miniature marvels.

Are you curious about SCUBA diving? Maybe you don't want the commitment of a ten week course. Maybe you want to give it a try before you decide to become certified. Maybe you have recreational diving and are ready to get certified. The Dive Team at St. George's Caye Resort has the perfect solution for any curious diver.

Try SCUBA is an afternoon in the pool with one of our Instructors. It is free of charge. You learn the equipment and practice basic skills under the water. If you like it and succeed at the basic skills we'll take you to the Ocean for open water diving. If you decide its not for you - at least you tried something new! Sometimes additional training is required in the pool before heading out to the sea.

INSTRUCTOR ASSISTED DIVING :: You don’t have to be certified!

Instructor Assisted Dive's are open water dives 30-40 feet deep. These are dives accompanied by an instructor for those divers who do not wish to become certified, but still want to experience the magic of diving.

OPEN WATER CERTIFICATION :: For those who want it all!

If you loved your pool training and are excited to explore the Belize Barrier Reef you can choose to complete your Open Water Diver Certification. Alongside our instructors you will make four open water dives and complete a written test. When all required skills can be demonstrated in the water and the academic knowledge has been tested - you can become a certified card carrying SCUBA Diver! Each year the SGCR Dive Team certifies dozens of guests.

On Good Morning America, Frommer’s Travel Guide lists Belize as one of 15 Most Tantalizing Travel Destinations for 2015!

Pauline Frommer, editorial director of the Frommer's Guides, says, "We are suggesting Belize this year" she begins "This is a life affirming destination" also adding Belize has "Glorious pristine rain-forests, gorgeous nature, incredible water sports but it also has Mayan Ruins. You're going to be climbing to the top of the Pyramids, you're going to be swimming into caves where ancient artifacts are calcified to the floor. They should be in museum's but they can't be moved."

Now that Belize has caught your attention - let St. George's Caye Resort be your guide! From diving the famous Blue Hole to climbing the Mayan Temples in Cayo to relaxing and enjoying the local Rum - our staff is ready to serve you! A private island experience close enough to Belize City for easy transfers to Belize International Airport. Join us in paradise and experience the Magic of St. George's Caye!

We rarely have dull moments at the Caye. This Christmas in Belize was no different. Over the Holidays we had the pleasure of meeting a fun couple with an awesome goal of bringing Cancer checkups to the front of our minds. Cancer Below The Belt was founded by Mr. Kelley Gale Amen to bring awareness to cancers specific to our underpants region - or below the belt. His unique way of raising this awareness is to get people to pose for a picture - with their pants down! Our staff and guests were a bit shy when Kelley first asked if we would participate in the photo challenge. But when manager Barry posed for his picture with his pants down - the game was on!

If you've ever been on a tour of Belize with us it is certain you've met Mr. Cornel Staine. And you'd know he's the best tour guide in Belize, hands down. Whether you're on a tour of Belize City, tubing through the caves in the jungle, scaling the river through the mainland or climbing a Mayan temple - Cornel can answer any question you may have. St. George's Caye Resort is excited to have partnered with such an intelligent and passionate tour guide!

Cornel is a walking book of information regarding all things Belize. From cultural customs and history he paints an accurate picture of Belize then and now. When visiting the Mayan temples his knowledge of their use of the land will amaze you. Ask him about the plants on any adventure through Belize and he'll be able to tell you what it is and how it's used.

Like many Belizeans Cornel spent most of his time growing up around family. From his father's welding shop in Belize City to his Grandmothers farm in western Belize to cousins scattered, Cornel's upbringing took him all over beautiful Belize giving him a base of knowledge handed down from his elders. Some things are best when learned hands-on! Studying has also been an important component of success for Staine. Tour Guides in Belize are trained with intense curriculum and must demonstrate their skills in the field before final licenses are awarded. Cornel finished top of his class and has never stopped learning and teaching all about Belize.

When not touring Belize, Cornel spends his time with his wife, Sharola, and two sons D'Shawn and Khalil. He also enjoys playing pick-up basketball in his neighborhood. Occasionally you can find him hiding out under the ocean off the docks on St George's Caye. He is an avid free diver and SCUBA diver in his spare time!

We are grateful to have partnership with Mr. Staine for 5 years now - and plan on many more years to come. We all benefit from his love and knowledge of Belize.

Out with the old - and in with the NEW! Just a bit before the new year begins, we are beginning again with updated and more accurate photos of what your St. George's Caye Resort experience will look and feel like. And we think you are going to love them.

Seattle based photographer Stuart Westmorland and his wife Robin joined us on the Caye for ten days to play and photograph. Capturing images not only of the property but the people enjoying a genuine St. George's experience. We intentionally chose to have the island photographed over many days rather than the traditional in and out, follow the list, commercial photography in order to give our viewer a more authentic picture of what it is like to actually be here. Updated Cabanas, relaxing spa, honeymooners laughing - the island is alive with joy and warm sunshine!

We were even able to pull Stuart and Robin into the fun and adventure that is St. George's. So not only did we get some awesome photos - we also gained new long term guests and friends!

"My experience at Saint Georges Caye was beyond wonderful. It was the perfect mix of peace and quiet, ample activities, with exemplary food and service on all fronts. My scuba training was an unexpected delight and I highly recommend the experience for non-divers looking for a great location to take the plunge!" said Robin.

It is our pleasure to share with you our piece of paradise in Belize. Whether you are looking for adventure, diving, wanting to unwind on the tranquil beach - or all of the above - we have something just for you! From Kayaking to sailing the Hobie Cat's. From walking the luscious gardens to soaking up the sun at the beach or pool. St. George's Caye Resort can offer you variety of activities.

What do you do when you get an offer you can't refuse? Why, move to Belize, of course!

Four years ago Barry Nowlin and his family moved from Austin, Texas to join the St. George's Caye Resort family. Under his leadership the Resort has seen great improvement. From new buildings to organizing scholarships to developing Belizean leaders, Barry's direction and influence extends beyond traditional duties.

Barry’s love for the tiny country began in the 1980’s when he was studying archaeology with Program for Belize. After his studies ended Barry became SCUBA certified and fell in love with the reefs and people of Belize. “It’s the only place he would take me on vacation,” he wife Ashley says “I guess it’s a good thing I liked it as much a he did because after my third trip down he asked me if I thought I could live here.”

Back in Austin Barry was involved in caring for the elderly and mentally ill. His last few years in Texas Barry was entrusted to care for legendary Blues pianist Pinetop Perkins, traveling the world as his personal care manager. If you stay with us more than a few days you are sure to hear the Blues tunes of Pinetop, Muddy Waters, Willie Big Eyes Smith and Buddy Guy.

Barry is also an avid Rotarian of thirteen years, serving the last three here in Rotary Club of Belize. Are you familiar with Rotary? Rotary International is a worldwide organization with goals such as eradicating polio, providing TB Immunizations, making clean water available, and sending children to school. Barry served as the President of the University Rotary Club of Austin in 2008.

Barry and his wife, Ashley, have a three year old daughter who was born in Belize. Sabrina is three years old, bilingual and rarely wears shoes. She has spent most her life romping around George's Caye. Their other children live and attend school in the United States. Seth is 25 and currently living in Detroit. Emma, 15, and Lillian, 13, are busy in the states attending school and visit Belize as often as they can.

“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to live and work here in Belize and with the people at St. George’s Caye. Come see us! We are a family and we welcome you into our home!” -Barry

Belize has two seasons - the wet season and the dry season. Dry season runs from November to June and the wet season - or hurricane season - runs June through October.

The best time to visit Belize is during hurricane season! No kidding!

June to November is active hurricane season and the reason many travelers avoid the Caribbean during these months. However, there are great benefits to traveling to Belize in the off-season. If you are looking for sweet serenity and sweet deals this is the sweet spot to itch your travel bug!

Travels shy away for fear of bad weather. This leaves most hotel and resort occupancy rates lower than normal prompting us to provide you with discounts and deals not offered during busy season.

But the truth is most all our days here in Belize are sunny, warm and breezy - no matter the season.

Having lived in Belize for almost 4 years I can tell you that hurricane season is my favorite time of the year. This is the time of year I take my own family to explore Belize. The rivers flow faster and feel cool and refreshing. And nothing makes the jungle come alive like a strong rainfall after the dry season (aka high-season). This year my family and I traveled to Punta Gorda in southern Belize. Our days included eating meals with Mayan descendants - who readily welcomed us into their home - swimming in rivers, natural springs and the ocean!

LEFT: Our Family in Punta Gorda, Belize 2014

RIGHT: Lilly & Sabrina playing in the river at Caves Branch, Belize 2014.

Best reasons to travel in the off-season:

The Local's come out to the Cayes! I enjoy meeting locals wherever I travel and Belize locals are the nicest and most friendly people you may ever meet in your lifetime. They tell stories of "how it used to be" and offer you a friendly smile when you pass them on their porches.

The beaches, bars, Mayan Ruins, Jungle Tours are all less crowded. Want to get the most thorough insight into Lamanai or extra passes on the zip line? Go in the off-season. You may have a shower pass by that gets you a little wet but you trade it for the undivided attention of your tour guide.

Save Money! Who doesn't like that? Accommodations, tours, drinks and sometimes airfare are all cheaper in Belize during the off-season. Expect thirty to fifty percent off room rates country wide!

Belize weather is generally awesome all year round. Don’t' let Hurricane Season shy you away. The reality? Though hurricanes get lots of media attention, you'd have to be awfully unlucky to get caught in one. Places like Belize lie outside the hurricane belt, and statistically get hit only once every 60 years. (For more information, visit the Climatology section of the Caribbean Hurricane Network website, www.stormcarib.com). Belize sits in a unique position on the Earth - tucked into the nape of the Yucatan Peninsula. While we do get more rain during the off-season it often rains at night which beautifully cools off the air making for crisp cool mornings! When it does rain during the day it is an amazing sight and sound. Something you will never forget. And it too shall pass for clear skies and warm breezes.

ARE YOU READY TO GET AWAY??

St. George's Caye Resort in Belize is offering last minute specials you can't refuse!

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The Battle of St. George's Caye was a short military engagement that lasted from 3 to 10 September 1798, off the coast of what is now Belize. The celebratory day is typically reserved for the final battle that occurred on 10 September and marks the final attempt to take over the area. Today, the Battle of St. George's Caye is a national public and bank holiday with many parades, parties and a special youth regatta to boot!

The territory that is now Belize was under dispute from as early as the mid-1750s by Great Britain and Spain. Although Spain never occupied Belize, she considered it part of her Central American territories, such as Mexico and Guatemala. The British had entered the territory as of 1638 to harvest logwood and later mahogany. Spain recognized this trade in the Treaty of Paris (signed in 1763) but did not draw boundaries (which may have suggested that Spain was giving up claims of sovereignty to the area), leading to further disputes. From 1779 to 1782 the settlement was abandoned, its settlers, known as the Baymen, and their African slaves having been deported to Cuba following a Spanish attack.

The battle of St George’s Caye has always captivated historians with its combination of brilliant tactics, sheer courage and the solidarity of the defenders. For Belizeans, it marks the moment when the people of the settlement, of all races and creeds, decided to defend something that even back then they recognized as worthy of fighting for.

The Tenth Day of September (Song)

It was the 10th day of SeptemberIn ninety-eight Anno Dominiwhen our fore-fatherswon the glorious fightat Old St. George's CayeHip! Hip! Hurrah. Hip! Hip! Hurrah.Then hail them - cheer them.Let our grateful loyal hearts not fail them,as we march and sing and shout in merry gleeThe Battle of St. George's Caye.Hip! Hip! Hurrah. Hip! Hip! Hurrah.

All of us at St. George’s Caye Resort are pleased to be able to share our success with others in Belize. Last year, owner Cap’n Ron and resort manager Barry Nowlin asked the staff what would be truly helpful to support Belizeans. Because most children do not attend school beyond 8th grade due to the high cost (free education ends at 8th grade), they suggested educational scholarships for children in their home villages. Encouraging higher education means more of their neighbors will have the knowledge to get jobs, start businesses, and help their local economy and country grow.

This past school year, Cap’n Ron sponsored our first high school full scholarship based on academic ability, motivation and severe need, and our supervisory staff developed and administered the entire program. Ms. Seily Aguilar, resident of Valley of Peace, was selected as the scholarship winner and she just completed Year 1 (freshman year) at Belmopan Comprehensive School located in the capital city. She is passing all subjects and doing very well. If it wasn’t for the support of the resort scholarship, Seily could not afford to go to high school.

We are sharing Seily’s thank-you letter to the staff with our past guests and friends.It is because of your support that we are able to share with others. THANK YOU.

We're also excited to share that the entire staff has stepped up to expand the scholarship program for this coming school year, hoping to fund at least three high school students.

The cost for each student is about US$1,500. If you would like to support scholarships for students in the Valley of Peace and the other villages our staff hails from, or get involved with Full Basket Belize, pleaseThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information.